2013 chevrolet cruze Reviews and News

"I heard someone got 47 mpg on the drive down," someone murmured at the dinner table after I arrived in Indianapolis for the 97th Indy 500 race. I had driven from Detroit in the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel, the highest-mileage variant of Chevy's successful compact sedan.

I was that hypermiling driver, and no, I did not draft semi-trucks or drive 10 below the speed limit. Over 267 miles, at an average speed of 68.7 mph, I averaged 46.9 mpg. (The Cruze's trip computer optimistically read 47.1 mpg.) According to a neat economy gauge in the Cruze's instrument cluster, my best mpg average over a 25-mile period was 55.2 mpg. I used just 5.7 gallons of the car's 15.6-gallon tank. In theory, that means the 2014 Cruze Diesel could go about 800 miles before refueling, but with an EPA rating of 27/46 mpg city/highway, Chevrolet quotes a range of 717 miles.

The heart of this mileage champ is a 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder. The engine is a revised version of the 2.0-liter unit used in the Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Insignia, and Zafira overseas. However, for its U.S. application, General Motors engineers gave the four-cylinder numerous updates. Most important is the addition of a particulate-scrubbing urea filter, necessary to meet American emissions standards. The North American unit also gets a new intake cooler, a higher-capacity ERG sensor, ceramic glow plugs to aid cold starts, a low-friction vacuum pump, an improved timing belt system (that only needs to be serviced every 100,000 miles), and an optional oil pan heater ($100).

The result is that the Cruze Diesel is good for 151 hp at 4000 rpm and 264 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm, with 250 lb-ft available from 1750 to 3000 rpm and a maximum of 280 lb-ft with overboost. The oil-burning Cruze pulls strongly, without turbo lag or sudden wallops of power.

There is one direct competitor for the Cruze Diesel here: the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The VW is down 11 hp and 28 lb-ft; its EPA city rating is better, at 30 mpg, but its highway figure of 42 mpg is 4 mpg lower. The Chevrolet's additional torque makes it feel like the faster car off the line -- it's half a second quicker to 60 mph -- but your ears will pay dearly for it. Unlike the Volkswagen, there's no mistaking the Chevy for anything other than a diesel. Whereas the Jetta's engine noise is subdued, the Cruze's clatter is reminiscent of an old diesel Mercedes-Benz. That said, it's most audible at idle and at low speeds; it fades away once the car gets moving, and the cabin is one of the most hushed in the compact sedan segment.

Even though they thrum loudly at highway speeds, the 17-inch low-rolling-resistance tires (fitted to the Diesel and Eco models, P215/55R17 all-seasons wrapped around split five-spoke alloy wheels on the Diesel) aren't Chevy's only mileage-increasing trick. The Cruze Eco also donates active aerodynamic shutters, revised grille baffling, and a redesigned undertray to aid airflow on the highway.

Despite the additional 200 pounds of weight from the diesel engine, the 2014 Cruze Diesel drives just like any other Chevy Cruze. The chassis is retuned to cope with the weight increase -- the steering calibration, suspension, and pedal mapping have all been modified. The steering is well weighted with a nice heft, but communicates little of what the front tires are doing. The ride is firm, but not punishing; however, it's not as well sorted as its VW competition -- the Chevrolet exhibits harsh impacts over larger bumps.

The Cruze Diesel also uses a different transmission than gas-powered models. Unfortunately, the Aisin-sourced six-speed automatic (no manual is offered on the Diesel) -- is slow to respond to inputs and is just as clunky as the GM-designed six-speed in non-diesel models. The Cruze's traditional automatic isn't any worse than the Volkswagen's dual-clutch unit, however, and the Cruze is never jerky on shifts or confused as to which gear to be in, the way the Jetta often is.

Impressive build quality, good ergonomics, and high-quality fabric inserts on the dashboard make the Cruze cabin feel as though it belongs in a more expensive vehicle. The firm seats are comfortable for long drives, although I would have liked an adjustable lumbar support. The base six-speaker sound system on the Cruze Diesel helps drown out highway tire noise and trumps the Jetta TDI's optional Fender system (Chevrolet also offers an upgraded nine-speaker Pioneer audio system for $445). The Cruze's cabin falls short of the Jetta's in space -- it's down on front head- and shoulder room and by a full 2.7 inches of rear legroom, and feels it. Where the Volkswagen's interior is bright and airy, the Chevy's is more cosseting and sporty. That said, outward visibility is very good, save for the thick A-pillars that sometime make parking-lot maneuvers difficult.

Compared with the gas-powered Cruze models, there are almost no aesthetic changes to the Cruze Diesel. Eagle-eyed onlookers will notice the unique wheel design, four-wheel disc brakes, and small green 2.0 TD badge. Otherwise, there's little to differentiate the Diesel from any other Cruze.

Pricing for the 2014 Chevrolet Cruze Diesel starts at $25,695, including destination. It's not quite an apples-to-apples comparison with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI because Chevrolet offers just one trim level with standard features like leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, 17-inch wheels, and a touchscreen infotainment system. (The VW is available in three trim levels.) With all the option boxes ticked, the American and German cars are almost at parity in price and equipment. It comes down to a matter of badge prestige -- Volkswagen still holds an edge over Chevrolet in that respect -- the importance of highway fuel economy, and personal preference. Thanks to its better interior and its outstanding real-world fuel economy, the Chevrolet Cruze Diesel edges out the Volkswagen Jetta TDI in the two-car compact diesel sedan segment.

New For 2013

MyLink now includes Bluetooth streaming audio, voice recognition for the radio and select phones, and Pandora, Stitcher, and Gracenote capability. A seven-inch touchscreen display is standard. There are four new option packages, including the enhanced safety package with rear park assist, side blind-zone alert, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Overview

The Cruze is a solid effort that stacks up well in the highly competitive small-car class, which recently has seen all-new or heavily refreshed cars from Honda (Civic), Hyundai (Elantra), and Ford (Focus) added to its ranks. Where the Cruze really shines is inside. Its cabin is user-friendly, attractive, and nicely trimmed and comes in a close second to that of the class-leading Elantra. Under the hood, the Cruze offers a choice of two 138-hp engines. The base 1.8-liter four is adequate, but we’d recommend stepping up to the optional turbocharged 1.4-liter. That in-line four—exclusive to the North American market—is lively around town and moves the Cruze effortlessly at highway speeds. Either engine can be paired with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. To compete with the fuel-economy ratings of its competitors, Chevy has managed to eke out another 2 mpg from the turbo engine when paired with the automatic, for a rating of 26/39 mpg. The Eco version sheds a few pounds with lighter-weight parts, aerodynamic aids, and low-rolling-resistance tires to achieve 39/42 mpg highway (auto/manual). Although the Cruze has some shortcomings—light but somewhat artificial steering feel is its most egregious—its excellent interior, quiet ride, good body control, and supple suspension make it a legitimate contender in the small-car segment.

Safety

Front, side, knee, and side curtain air bags; ABS; traction and stability control; and OnStar are standard. Rear parking assist is standard on the LTZ, optional on Eco and LT models, and unavailable on the LS.

Queens, New York, native Stephen J. Girsky grew up in the epicenter of American car culture, Los Angeles. Now vice chairman of General Motors, in the 1990s he worked at Morgan Stanley and was one of Wall Street's most outspoken automotive analysts. With a sharp and early eye on all that was wrong with Detroit as the business limped into the twenty-first century, he formed S. J. Girsky and advised the United Auto Workers. Girsky joined GM's board of directors and represented the UAW in the 2009 bankruptcy. Girsky is on most Detroit shortlists of potential candidates to replace CEO Dan Akerson when he retires.

Sound & Entertainment

Warranty

Recalls

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:30

Component

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Summary

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with manual transmissions (MF3/MR5) and manufactured January 24, 2013, through August 1, 2013. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.

Consequences

If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

General Motors has notified owners. Dealers will replace the half shaft assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on October 15, 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300. This is General Motors campaign number 13276.

Potential Units Affected

3,161

Notes

General Motors LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

Summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013 and 2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles equipped with a 1.4L turbo engine, and manufactured between November 28, 2012, and March 7, 2014. On the affected vehicles, the right front half shaft may fracture and separate.

Consequences

If the half shaft fractures and separates while driving, the vehicle would lose power and coast to a stop. If a vehicle with a fractured half shaft is parked without the parking brake applied, the vehicle could move unexpectedly. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the right half shaft, as needed, free of charge. Parts for the remedy are not currently available. GM will send an interim letter to owners in May 2014. A second owner letter will be mailed when parts are available. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-866-694-6546. GM's number for this recall is 14079. This is an expansion of recall 13V-452. NOTE: Some vehicles subject to this recall were subject to the recall campaign initiated in 2013. Some of those vehicles were repaired using defective parts. Those owners will be advised that they must have their vehicles remedied again under this campaign and that having the earlier recall completed did not remedy their vehicles.

Potential Units Affected

174,046

Notes

General Motors LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

AIR BAGS

Summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the driver's front air bag inflator may have been manufactured with an incorrect part.

Consequences

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's air bag, the air bag's inflator may rupture and the air bag may not inflate. The rupture could cause metal fragments to strike and potentially seriously injure the vehicle occupants. Additionally, if the air bag does not inflate, the driver is at an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver side air bag, free of charge. The recall began on June 28, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14305.

Potential Units Affected

29,019

Notes

General Motors LLC

Recall Date

12-31-1969:21:35:40

Component

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Summary

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2013-2014 Buick Encore all-wheel-drive vehicles manufactured August 23, 2012, to September 9, 2013; Verano vehicles manufactured August 8, 2012, to June 20, 2013; Chevrolet Cruze vehicles manufactured August 7, 2012, to August 16, 2013, and 2012-2014 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles manufactured May 10, 2011, to August 16, 2012 equipped with a Calix oil pan/block heater. In cold temperatures, the insulation on the engine block heater cord can become damaged, allowing the wires to be exposed.

Consequences

Exposed wires increase the risk of electrical shock and personal injury if the cord is handled while it is plugged in.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine oil pan/block heater cord with a new cord that is rated for temperatures of minus 40 degree Celsius. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14257.